 |
| “St. Irenaeus" iconifer and date are UNKNOWN |
Reading 1: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Commentary on Gn 15:1-12, 17-18
Abram, as we have heard earlier, was promised the land he occupied at this point as a possession. In this reading Abram is complaining that he has no heir, and therefore all he has will pass to his servant. In response God tells him that he will be given offspring, and then has Abram offer a sacrifice using the covenant formula. The promise made by God is sealed by fire passed between the halves of the sacrifice.
------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
The song of praise exhorts us to praise the Lord constantly and to remember his covenant with Abraham and Isaac. We praise him also for the new covenant in Jesus, for which the Son of God became the sealing sacrifice. It emphasizes the saving power of the name of the Lord. In using the name of God, the speaker implicitly gives glory to God for the blessings that follow.
CCC: Ps 105:3 30
------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20
Commentary on Mt 7:15-20
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against people claiming to be God’s messengers, but whose message goes against God’s commands. Jesus uses an analogy of the fruit produced by various plants as a way to test the authenticity of those who claim to come in God’s name. He tells them that the product, or result, of the words offered by a self-proclaimed messenger will identify them. In his time, this was probably another warning about the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees, who placed self-serving demands upon the people.
------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
In 1993, a great tragedy occurred in Waco Texas at the compound of a religious group called the Branch Davidians. A charismatic leader named David Koresh was able to convince a large group of people that he was from God and was leading them to God. The fruits of his teaching tell us what he truly was. On November 18, 1978 in a place commonly known as Jonestown in Guyana
If we believe the warning from the Lord can be lightly taken because we have two thousand years of history and understanding to fortify us against teachers who might lead us down the wrong path, all we need to do is look at recent history. If we believe that, because we have Saints like St. Irenaeus who fought the battles against Gnosticism, we are free from those who would twist the word of God to their own purposes, then look at the present day. Look at the recent saga of Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda. He is building a financial empire based in Miami predicated upon the idea that he himself is the incarnation of God, and people believe him!
The words of Jesus come rushing upon us today. We are reminded that we base our hope and trust on those whose fruits are clearly seen. The Church, for all her faults, is an on-going force for good in the world. Her message of the Risen Lord, justice for the poor and love for all mankind, is what we look at and see the fingerprints of God. Let us take the time to inform ourselves and inform those we love about the truth so they too may avoid the many false prophets who come seeming good but whose fruits proclaim them as messengers of darkness.
Pax
No comments:
Post a Comment